September 10, 2024 - Luke 11-14

One of the most comforting verses:  “Consider the ravens;  they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them.  Of how much more value are you than the birds!” (12:24).  And: “And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried.  For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them.  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you” (12:29-31).

You know, as comforting as the above words are, Jesus also teaches some hard and unsettling truths.  He pronounces woes against the Pharisees, and all who are hypocrites.  He tells his disciples that they will be dragged before the authorities and questioned and mistreated.  Warnings against laying up treasure on earth rather than heaven.  The division of families because of him.  The cost of discipleship.  Salt that has lost its saltiness.  It just strikes me that, likely, we have not, often enough, just camped out, so to speak, among the teachings of Jesus and asked:  “How am I measuring up?”  We will sometimes measure up; at other times, we will not.  Still our God loves us and provides for us and brings us to himself.

Children of the heavenly King,

As we journey let us sing;

Sing our Savior’s worthy praise,

Glorious in His works and ways,

Glorious in His works and ways.

Fear not, brethren; joyful stand

On the borders of our land;

Jesus Christ, our Father’s Son,

Bids us undismayed go on,

Bids us undismayed go on.   -- John Cennick (1743)